Tatau: Tatau Sāmoa ma ata puʻe

Tatau: Sāmoan Tattooing and Photography presents the work of four photographers who capture the dynamic practice of contemporary Samoan tatau over the last 40 years: Mark Adams; Greg Semu; John Agcaoili; and Angela Tiatia.

Tatau are the tattooed lines and motifs worn by Samoan men and women. In Samoa, after being tattooed the young man is accepted as a full member of the ‘aumāga’ (the village association of young men). Similarly, women who receive the malu are also admitted to participate in Samoan ceremonial and cultural life in a more active way. The tatau is associated with ideas connected with the wrapping, sealing and defence of the body, as well as with ornamenting it and making it beautiful.

This exhibition is based on the scholarship developed for the Te Papa Press book TATAU: a history of Samoan tattooing (2019). Developed and toured by Te Papa.

Main Image | Angela Tiatia, Walking the Wall, 2014, digital video. Purchased 2017. Te Papa (2017-0019-1/1-8 to 8-8)

Left | John Agcaoili, Tattooing by Tuigamala Andy Tauafaiafi, print. Purchased 2019. Te Papa (TMP035049) Image courtesy of the artist.